Hierarchy #1

Klaus Tiedge visited Namibia to photograph baobab trees. With its thick trunk crowned with branches deprived of leaves, the tree appears to be upside down. In the shadow of the palaver ?talking? tree? gatherings are organised or where the very young are taught. However, beyond its symbolic function, the baobab is revered for its usefulness. The soft wood of the trunk is water-soaked and the shade provided by the baobab brings freshness to these arid regions. In addition, the tree produces fruit, seeds, leaves, roots and shoots which can be consumed. It is thus easy to see why the baobab is called the ?tree of life.?

Klaus Tiedge is German by birth and was an important figure in advertising photography for over 20 years. His work led him to travel around the world, but he finally decided to settle in South Africa. He moved to the Cape in 2001 and continued to pursue his career. However, in 2008 Tiedge decided to focus solely on art photography and devoted his work to the African continent.